Postseason Roster Makeup Remains In Flux
The rotation is set, it's just all the identities that aren't known.
Manager Jim Leyland confirmed that Doug Fister, his second-best pitcher down the stretch, would work the second game of the playoffs behind ace Justin Verlander.
Against whom and where were obviously of no consequence to Leyland, who also confirmed that Max Scherzer would pitch the third game. There he stopped, however, declining to disclose whether Rick Porcello or Brad Penny would be the Game 4 pitcher and whether the one who isn't in the rotation would be in the bullpen.
There are still too many X-factors floating around for Leyland to be firm on his 25-man roster.
If Carlos Guillen can play, he's likely to be on it because he gives the manager a veteran switch hitter with power. The problem is, Guillen is doubtful due to a calf strain. And if he gets hurt in the divisional round, Detroit would lose his services for the next round if forced to put him on the postseason disabled list.
Wilson Betemit is slowly becoming a concern, too. He was not available to play Thursday in the Tigers' 6-5 loss to the Orioles. Leyland expects him to start Friday, but if he can't, that would mean Betemit had gone a full week without facing a pitcher.
That would mean he'd be getting his timing back in games that could determine whether Detroit gets home-field advantage for part of the postseason.
Things change daily.
If New York or Boston is the opponent, Leyland might opt to keep a third lefty for his bullpen because the Yankees and Red Sox have a boatload of left-handed hitters.
Then there's the injury factor. What if a starting pitcher goes down and Detroit is left with three starters? That could influence Leyland to keep his fifth starter as a member of the bullpen.
He also has to decide whether his extra position player would be a dangerous hitter, a fast runner, a strong fielder or a catcher in case something happens to Alex Avila.
One thing's for sure, Leyland will be earning his money over the next few days.
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